COVID During Pregnancy – Does it Affect the Baby and Preventive Steps

Moreover, individuals suffering from COVID have to isolate themselves for 2 weeks until their symptoms disappear. Some people recover without special treatment, but patients need intense medical care in some severe cases.

How Does Coronavirus Spread?

This infectious disease spreads through direct contact with an infected person or droplets in the air. It can also spread by using clothes, furniture, and utensils with fomites and droplets. That is why governing bodies and W.H.O. provide guidelines to maintain distance from the infected individuals and wear masks to avoid COVID-19.

[Read : Is The Coronavirus Disease The Same As SARS]

Are Pregnant Women At Greater Risk of Catching COVID-19 Coronavirus?

Like general people, pregnant women are also susceptible to COVID. However, they are not at greater risk of catching COVID-19. During pregnancy, the immune system is altered and quickly responds whenever the body encounters any infection. Still, doctors suggest being extra careful during pregnancy and possibly staying away from crowded places to reduce the chances of getting a coronavirus infection.

Will Having COVID-19 During Pregnancy Affect My Baby?

COVID-19 doesn’t pass from the mother to the fetus during pregnancy. Because research conducted by NIH says that placental cells will not allow the virus to pass through them. Since pregnant women are at risk of getting hospitalized if they get COVID, which could be because of the altered immune system during pregnancy. Having severe COVID-19 during pregnancy can affect the baby’s development and can even lead to preterm and stillbirths.

However, in mild COVID cases during pregnancy, there is a possibility of the newborn getting infected after being close to the infected mother or caregiver. According to research, there were cases of newborn babies testing positive for COVID-19. The symptoms were mild and they recovered. Doctors emphasize creating isolated hospital care units for deliveries due to safety concerns.

Symptoms of COVID-19 Infection During Pregnancy

The symptoms of COVID-19 during pregnancy are very similar to the other individual. Women who get COVID-19 during pregnancy may experience symptoms such as

• Shortness of Breath
• Fever
• Cough
• Muscle Fatigue

Some pregnant women may have gastrointestinal symptoms such as

• Nausea
• Pneumonia
• Reduced Oxygen Level
• Abdominal Pain
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Respiratory Problems

The symptoms may appear immediately or between 2-14 days after infection. If you’ve got any of these symptoms, immediately get a consultation from your gynecologist or doctor before it complicates.

[Read : What Is the Treatment for the Coronavirus Disease]

COVID Care During Pregnancy

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, you must use sanitizer and masks and follow these basic principles to prevent yourself from the COVID-19 strain.

Here are a few things you need to follow for COVID care during pregnancy

• Stay at home as much as possible unless you have a medical emergency.
• If possible, prefer telephonic or video call consultations with doctors for routine check-ups and minor queries. However, if you have any major concerns, ask the doctor for a visit.
• Try to restrict the entry of people with health issues or flu symptoms at home if possible.
• During pregnancy, women must adopt frequent hand wash habits using soap or any alcohol-based sanitizer and hand rub.
• Whenever going out of the home, ensure to wear a mask. Cover your nose and mouth with a bent elbow whenever you feel like sneezing or coughing. Dispose of the tissue immediately after use.
• Avoid unnecessary touching on the eyes, face, mouth, and nose.
• Maintain a distance of approximately 2 meters from people, if you go out.
• If you are a working woman, adapt to working from home whenever possible.
• Avoid visiting crowded markets and places like malls, etc.
• Avoid traveling as much as possible. If you need to travel, use a private vehicle only to maintain distance.
• Avoid going to functions, gatherings, or celebrations.
• Restrict people’s entry or minimize visitors after the childbirth
• Get the COVID-19 vaccine if recommended by doctors for pregnant women.

In a nutshell, COVID-19, due to its contagious nature can affect billions of people worldwide, including newborns to aged persons. Though vaccines are available now, prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, women during pregnancy have to follow preventative strategies to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19. In case of doubt, consult your gynecologist promptly and follow the guidelines.

FAQ’s

1. What Are the Chances of Miscarriage If a Pregnant Woman is Tested Positive For Covid-19 Coronavirus?

There is only limited information regarding miscarriage available if a woman tests positive for COVID-19. However, some complications may happen during pregnancy, but there is no increased risk of miscarriage during pregnancy if women get COVID-19.

2. Is There Any Special Diet Recommended to Prevent Coronavirus Infection?

Doctors recommend no special diet to prevent coronavirus infection. However, women are often advised to increase vitamin intake, micronutrients, and a protein-rich diet to improve the immune system, which helps build immunity against various infections.

3. What Steps Are to be Followed If I Get COVID-19 During Pregnancy?

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, isolate yourself for at least 2 weeks. Consult with a doctor regularly and get proper treatment. The healthcare teams will monitor your condition and provide appropriate treatment. However, on a personal level, ensure a proper diet, use a mask, and follow frequent hand washing. Sanitize your area and the clothes you wear, and take proper rest.

4. Is Delivering a Baby in the Hospital During the Pandemic Safe?

Yes, it is safe to deliver babies in hospitals during COVID-19. Doctors and healthcare experts follow protocol and delivery areas are completely restricted from COVID-19 units. They care for newborns and mothers to avoid catching an infection in hospitals.

Read Also: COVID 19 In Babies: Symptoms and Prevention